Many stay-at-home moms feel they are constantly working. While traditional employment offers a close of shift or weekends off, motherhood is a job with infrequent breaks. Young children need care each day for an average of 15 hours. Often, the chores involved with tending the home and children are not completed before bedtime, so extra hours are put into completing tasks. “Me time” is, for most stay-at-home moms, an infrequent jaunt out of the house without the kids in tow. On a day when her spouse is off of work, a stay-at-home mom may find herself looking for things to do with an afternoon of time alone. These are a few frugal ideas for “me time” that cost under $25 each.
Manicures are an inexpensive way to indulge in pampering. Skip the acrylic tips and select a basic manicure, which costs a fraction of the price. The nail technician will open the skin’s pores with a warm towel. A soothing massage is given to the hands and forearms, easing muscle strain and fatigue. A thin, beveled stick of orange wood is used to push cuticles back and clean under the fingernails. Nails are cut and filed to the desired shape. Polish is included with the price of a traditional manicure, but French manicures may add to the price. Some full-service salons offer complimentary wine with their treatments. These establishments provide an excellent afternoon mini-retreat.
Sports enthusiasts may enjoy an afternoon game for a local, minor-league team. Most weekend games are played in the evening to attract a multitude of spectators, but many weekday afternoons have scheduled matches. General admission tickets to a minor league baseball game often cost less than $10. With money to spare for a beer and a hotdog, minor league sports are an excellent option for a “me time” afternoon getaway.
Many locations in the United States have production vineyards where moms can treat themselves to a wine tasting. Making a trip to a few wineries in a nearby location makes an enjoyable afternoon for wine aficionados. Tasting may be free for a few varieties at each location, but some wineries may charge a small fee for additional samples. Wine-loving moms will enjoy the opportunity to taste new vintages and make notes of favorites. Wine does not have to be expensive to be enjoyable, so it is possible to find two bottles of wine under $25 during an afternoon tasting trip.
Moms may make snacks for their children, but it may be a rare occasion when they get to enjoy something they truly love eating without having to share. Gourmet ice cream shops, coffee houses and dessert boutiques cater to an older crowd, offering much more variety than simple cookies and chocolate cake. Instead of worrying about her own kids, a mom can indulge her inner child as she relishes a sweet dessert. If she finds a sale, a mom may even be able to take a treat back home with her to share with the rest of the family.
This post was contributed by Sara Woods, who writes for Coupon Croc, where you can find savings on all of the essentials, and a little luxuries, when you do your shopping online.